Evidence quality
Conflict of interest
A financial, professional or personal interest that could influence study design, interpretation or reporting.
What it means
Definition
Conflict of interest. A conflict of interest does not automatically invalidate research, but it should affect scrutiny. Funding source, author ties and sponsor control can shape questions, comparators and emphasis.
What it can tell you
It can help clarify what sort of evidence or claim is being discussed.
What it cannot tell you
It cannot, by itself, prove that the headline is accurate or clinically important.
Headline trap
Why this matters in headlines
Industry-funded research may still be valid, but readers should check transparency and independence.